Radio Frequency Identification Sensor Assembly

ABSTRACT

In accordance with one embodiment, an RFID sensor assembly comprises an RFID chip, an antenna, a sensor, a substrate, and a laminated layer. The RFID chip is in electrical communication with the antenna and the sensor. The RFID chip, antenna, and sensor are secured to the substrate. The laminated layer is arranged as to create a generally airtight pouch between the substrate and the laminate layer. The laminated layer is further arranged to facilitate a post manufacturing method for exposing the contents of the pouch to the environment surrounding the RFID sensor assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/578,276 filed Dec. 21, 2011, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional RFID tag can be deployed to sense environmentalconditions and communicate environmental data to a nearby RFID reader.Prior to the deployment of an RFID tag for its intended purpose, theRFID tag can be stored for a long duration, inadvertently exposed tocertain environmental conditions, and/or experience prolonged exposureto ambient air, all of which can affect the overall integrity of theRFID tag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, an RFID sensor assembly comprises anRFID chip, an antenna, a sensor, a substrate, at least one electricallead and a laminated layer. The RFID chip is in electrical contact withthe antenna and communication with the sensor. The RFID chip, antenna,at least one electrical lead and sensor are secured to the substrate.The laminated layer is arranged as to create a generally sealed pouchbetween the substrate and the laminated layer. The laminated layer isfurther arranged to facilitate a post-manufacturing method for exposingthe contents of the pouch to the environment surrounding the RFID sensorassembly.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for storing a RFIDsensor assembly includes the steps of forming a generally sealed poucharound an RFID sensor assembly, where the pouch is arranged to beselectively modified to exposing the RFID sensor assembly to theenvironment surrounding the RFID sensor assembly. Alternatively, thepouch or enclosure may be substantially sealed or enclosed and may ormay not be airtight.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of using an RFID sensorassembly includes storing an RFID sensory assembly with a laminatedlayer creating a sealed pouch for a period of time, performing apost-manufacturing process that modifies the pouch to expose the RFIDsensor assembly to the environment, using the sensor to determinecertain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding thesensor, and transmitting data to an RFID reader. Alternatively, thesensor may be activated by an activating reagent before being able tofunction. In another embodiment, the sensor is activated by anelectrical current.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an RFIDsensor assembly includes securing an RFID chip, antenna sensor, and atleast one electrical lead to a substrate and applying a laminated layerso as to secure the substrate along a seal edge, wherein the seal edgecan be formed such that the seal between the laminated layer and thesubstrate is a hermetic seal so that that a pouch is formed that issubstantially airtight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is believed that certain embodiments will be better understood fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view depicting an RFID sensor assembly inaccordance with one embodiment, the RFID sensor assembly includes asensor that is enclosed in a pouch wherein the pouch is intact such thatthe RFID sensor assembly is in an inactive state;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the RFID sensor assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view depicting the RFID sensor of FIG. 1, but witha portion of the pouch removed to expose the sensor to its surroundingenvironment and place the RFID sensor assembly in an active state;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the RFID sensor assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view depicting an RFID sensor assembly inaccordance with another embodiment, the RFID sensor includes a sensorand a permeable membrane positioned above the sensor;

FIG. 6 is a side view depicting the RFID sensor assembly of FIG. 5,wherein an activating reagent is dispensed onto the permeable membraneby a printer;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view depicting an RFID sensor assembly inaccordance with yet another embodiment, the RFID sensor assemblyincludes a sensor and a plurality of capsules holding activatingreagents suspended within the sensor;

FIG. 8 is a side view depicting a plurality of RFID sensor assembliesprovided as a continuous sheet, the continuous sheet of RFID sensorsassemblies being moved though a pair of nip rollers;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view depicting an RFID sensor assembly inaccordance with yet another embodiment, the RFID sensor assemblyincludes an electrically activatable sensor; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting a process for converting an RFIDsensor assembly from an inactive state to an active state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus and methods disclosed in this document are described indetail by way of examples and with reference to FIGS. 1-10. Unlessotherwise specified, like numbers in FIGS. 1-10 indicate references tothe same, similar, or corresponding elements throughout the figures. Itwill be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and describedexamples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements,apparatuses, methods, materials, etc. can be made and may be desired fora specific application. In this disclosure, any identification ofspecific shapes, materials, techniques, arrangements, etc. are eitherrelated to a specific example presented or are merely a generaldescription of such a shape, material, technique, arrangement, etc.Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be,and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unlessspecifically designated as such. Selected examples of apparatus andmethods for a radio frequency identification sensor assembly arehereinafter disclosed and described in detail with reference made toFIGS. 1-10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a radio frequency identification (RFID)tag can be arranged as an RFID sensor assembly 20. The RFID sensorassembly 20 can be configured to include an RFID chip 22, an antenna 24,and a sensor 26. The RFID chip 22 can be arranged to store and/or deriveinformation and encode such information onto a radio signal generated byor passing through the RFID chip 22. The antenna 24 can be electricallycoupled with the RFID chip 22. The antenna 24 can be arranged tofacilitate communication between the RFID sensor assembly 20 and remotedevices such as, for example, an RFID reader or transceiver (not shown).For example, the antenna 24 can receive signals from remote devices anddirect those signals to the RFID chip 22. The antenna 24 can alsoreceive signals from the RFID chip 22 and send or transmit such signalsto be received and read by remote devices.

The sensor 26 can be arranged to determine, detect, or measure certainproperties or conditions of the environment surrounding the sensor 26.In one example, the sensor 26 can be arranged to determine the humidity,temperature, or atmospheric pressure of the environment surrounding thesensor 26. In another example, the sensor 26 can be arranged todetermine the presence of a specific or general class of airbornechemical agents or chemicals that directly contact the sensor 26. In yetanother example, the sensor 26 can be secured to an object and arrangedto determine physical changes experienced in the object due to forcessuch as stress or strain. Although many examples provided hereindescribe the sensor 26 as arranged to detect the presence of a specifiedfluid, it will be understood that other sensors described herein or knowto persons of ordinary skill in the art can be used with these manyexamples upon reading and understanding this disclosure.

The sensor 26 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the RFID chip 22by a pair of electrical leads 28, 30. As will be further described, theRFID chip 22 can measure an electrical property of the sensor material,such as conductivity, dielectric constant or magnetic permeability orother electrical property useful in determining properties or conditionsof the environment surrounding the sensor 26. In an alternativeembodiment the sensor 26 is connected by a single lead. The RFID chip 22can be arranged to interpret such return signals from the sensor 26 anddetermine an environmental condition or property sensed by the sensor26.

The RFID chip 22, antenna 24, sensor 26, and electrical leads 28, 30 canbe secured to a substrate 32. The substrate 32 can comprise a ridged orflexible material such as paper, plastic sheeting, and the like.Components can be secured to the substrate 32 through a number ofmethods including, for example, the use of adhesives, printing ofcomponents onto the substrate 32, and so forth. Once components aresecured to the substrate 32, a lamination process can be applied to thesubstrate 32 such that a laminated layer 34 is formed over the substrate32, RFID chip 22, antenna 24, sensor 26, and any other componentssecured to the substrate 32. The laminated layer 34 can be secured tothe substrate 32 along a seal edge 36, e.g., with a heat activated sealor with adhesive, for example. As best shown in FIG. 2, the RFID chip22, antenna 24, and sensor 26 can be positioned in a pouch 38 formed bythe laminated layer 34 and the substrate 32. The seal edge 36 can beformed such that the seal between the laminated layer 34 and thesubstrate is a hermetic seal so that the pouch 38 is formed as ansubstantially or generally airtight pouch. It will be understood thatcomponents such as the RFID chip 22, antenna 24, and sensor 26 can besecured to the substrate by the lamination process. The laminationprocess can be facilitated by a printer and can comprise the printing ofone or more layers of laminating material onto the RFID sensor assembly20. Any number of printers can be used such as inkjet printers andthermal transfer printers.

When RFID sensor assemblies 20 are manufactured, the RFID sensorassemblies 20 can be stored in warehouses or on store shelves for anextended period of time or can be extensively handled during theshipping of the RFID sensor assemblies 20 from the manufacturinglocation to the deployment location. If left unprotected during suchextended storage periods and during shipping, the sensors 26 or othercomponents of the RFID sensor assemblies 20 can be subjected to damage,contamination or other such undesirable conditions that can shorten theshelf life and ultimate effectiveness and accuracy of RFID sensorassemblies 20. The pouch 38 can be arranged to provide the RFID sensorassemblies 20 protection from such undesirable conditions. For example,the pouch 38 can protect the senor 26 from exposure to damage that canrender the sensor 26 unable to determine or measure the condition orproperty it is designed to determine or measure.

When the pouch 38 is formed and intact around the components of the RFIDsensor assembly 20, the RFID sensor assembly 20 can be considered to bein an inactive state suitable for storage and/or shipping. This is tosay that the pouch 38 forms a barrier between the sensor 26 and thesurrounding environment. When the sensor 26 is not exposed to theenvironment around the RFID assembly 20, the sensor 26 cannot determineor measure humidity, the presence of chemicals, or any other desiredcondition or property, and thus, the RFID sensor assembly 20 is in aninactive state. The RFID sensor assembly 20 can be designed so that thesensor 26 is exposed to its surrounding environment through apost-manufacturing process that modifies the pouch 38. Such apost-manufacturing process can convert the RFID sensor assembly from aninactive state to an active state suitable for deployment and use, wherethe sensor 26 can determine or measure a desired environmental propertyor condition. Post-manufacturing processes can be performed weeks,months or even years after the manufacturing of the RFID sensor assembly20.

One example of a post-manufacturing process is illustrated in FIGS. 3and 4. The RFID sensor assembly 20 can be cut or trimmed near or at theseal edge 36 so as to create an opening 40 in the pouch 38 and exposethe sensor 38 to its surrounding environment. Thus, converting the RFIDsensor assembly 20 from an inactive state to an active state. Forexample, the sensor 26 can be arranged as a fluid-specific sensor. Thatis the RFID sensor 26 is configured to detect the presence of aspecified fluid, i.e., a gas or liquid. While the RFID sensor assembly20 is stored after its manufacture, the sensor 26 cannot sense anyfluids because it is enclosed by the pouch 38. Once the RFID sensorassembly 20 is ready to be deployed for use, the pouch 38 is cut orotherwise punctured so as to expose the sensor 26 to the environment,and the sensor 26 can detect any specified fluid that is present. Oncethe specified fluid is detected, electrical signals or currentsexchanged between the sensor 26 and the RFID chip 22 can facilitate thedetermination of the presence of the specified fluid. The RFID sensorassembly 20 can then make the information available to a remote systemthrough the antenna 24 to alert nearby RFID readers of the presenceand/or concentration of the specified fluid.

In one embodiment, the RFID sensor assembly 20 can be configured as apassive RFID tag that transmits a data signal through the antenna 24 inresponse to an interrogation signal from the RFID reader. In such anembodiment, the RFID sensor assembly 20 can be powered by theinterrogation signal sent from the RFID reader. The RFID sensor assembly20 can accordingly remain dormant until an interrogation signal isreceived by the antenna 24. Once the RFID sensor assembly 20 receivesthe interrogation signal from the RFID reader, the RFID sensor assembly20 can power-up, determine an environmental condition or property, andtransmit data back to the RFID reader regarding the environmentalcondition or property. The RFID reader can transmit the interrogationsignal continuously, at some predetermined interval (e.g., every 10seconds), or in response to activation by a user (e.g., throughoperation of a trigger).

In another embodiment, the RFID sensor assembly 20 can be configured asan active RFID tag that includes its own power source that can transmita data signal through the antenna 24 when the RFID sensor assembly 20 isin the active state. The data signal can be transmitted continuously orat some predetermined interval (e.g., every 10 seconds). Once the RFIDreader is within range of the RFID sensor assembly 20 (e.g., the datasignal can effectively reach the RFID reader), data from the RFID sensorassembly 20 can be transmitted by the RFID sensor assembly 20 withoutrequiring a bidirectional communication link between the RFID reader andthe RFID sensor assembly 20. In such an embodiment, the RFID sensorassembly 20 can be powered from an on-board power source such as abattery or a supercapacitor, for example. In one embodiment, the sensoritself is an electrochemical cell, and either provides energy when thesensor is in its active state or varies a parameter, such as voltage orinternal resistance, in response to the sensed material.

As will be understood, the RFID sensor assembly 20 can be configured todetect any of a variety of specified fluids and can be selected basedupon a particular application. For example, the RFID sensor assembly 20can be configured to detect relative humidity and can be attached to ashipping container to monitor for levels of relative humidity that couldbe harmful to the contents of the shipping container. In anotherexample, the RFID sensor assembly 20 can be configured to detectbio-hazardous materials and can be provided as part of a publictransportation system to monitor for levels of bio-hazardous materialsthat could affect the well-being of its passengers. In another example,the RFID sensor assembly 20 can be configured to detect air quality andcan be provided as part of an environmental study to determine theoverall air quality of a particular geographical location. In eachexample, the RFID sensor assembly 20 can be manufactured, stored for anextended period of time in an inactive state, converted to an activestate by cutting or otherwise piercing the pouch 38, and the RFID sensorassembly 20 can be deployed for use in accordance with its designedpurpose.

The sensor 26 can comprise an absorbent material that is treated with adetecting reagent. When the sensor 26 is exposed to the specified fluid,the specified fluid can react with the detecting reagent to changecertain properties of the sensor 26 such as its conductivity (e.g.,changing the overall electrical resistance of the sensor 26), color,temperature (e.g., causing the absorbent material to be exothermic), orflexibility, for example. The RFID sensor assembly 20 can sense thechange to the absorbent material and can facilitate transmission of asignal from the antenna 24 that can notify the RFID reader of thepresence and/or concentration of the specified fluid. It will beappreciated that when the RFID sensor assembly 20 is inactive (e.g., thepouch 38 is sealed) the sensor is less prone to being inadvertentlyexposed to the specified fluid. It will be appreciated that in someinstances, prolonged exposure to ambient air can diminish theeffectiveness of the absorbent material of the sensor 26 in sensing thespecified fluid. In one embodiment, the protective pouch 38 can bevacuum sealed to reduce the adverse effect of ambient air on the sensor26.

The RFID sensor assembly 20 can be configured such that opening thepouch 38 activates other features of the RFID sensor assembly 20. In oneembodiment, opening or modifying the pouch 38 can change thetransmission range of the antenna 24. With the pouch 38 intact, theantenna 24 can be operated in a short range mode such that the RFIDreader can communicate with the RFID sensor assembly 20 from shortdistances (e.g., a few feet). When the pouch is opened, the antenna 24can be operated in a long range mode such that the RFID reader cancommunicate with the RFID sensor assembly 20 from longer distances(e.g., 20-30 feet or more).

In one embodiment, the pouch 38 can be opened manually, such as bycutting the pouch 38 with any cutting instrument such as a knife. Inanother embodiment, the pouch 38 can be opened during an automatedprocess such as by a printer during the printing of a label on the RFIDsensor assembly 20. It will be appreciated the pouch 38 can be opened inany of a variety of suitable alternative embodiments.

The RFID chip 22, the antenna 24, and the sensor 26 can be adhered tothe substrate 32 (e.g., with adhesive), deposited directly onto thesubstrate 32 (e.g., through a printing process), or provided on thesubstrate 32 in any of a variety of other suitable alternativearrangements. It will be appreciated that the substrate 32 and pouch 38can be formed from any of a variety of materials that facilitateeffective support of the RFID chip 22, the antenna 24, and the sensor26. In one embodiment, the RFID sensor assembly 20 can include a foilsubstrate 32 that is in electrical communication with the antenna 24.The foil substrate can cooperate with the antenna 24 to facilitateeffective propagation of a signal to and from the antenna 24.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an RFID sensor assembly 120 according toanother embodiment. The RFID sensor assembly 120 can be similar to orthe same as in many respects to the RFID sensor assembly 20 shown inFIGS. 1 through 4. For example, the RFID sensor assembly 120 can includean RFID chip 122, an antenna 124, and a sensor 126. The antenna 124 canbe electrically coupled with the RFID chip 122 to facilitatecommunication with an RFID reader, and the sensor 126 can be coupled tothe RFID chip 122 by a pair of electrical leads 128, 130. The sensor 120can be configured to determine, detect or measure an environmentalcondition or property such as detecting the presence of a specifiedfluid. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the RFID sensor assembly 120 caninclude a substrate 132 and a laminated layer 134 secured to thesubstrate 132 along a seal edge 136 to form a pouch 138.

The RFID sensor assembly 120, however, can also include a permeablemembrane 142 incorporated into the laminated layer 134 and located atleast above the sensor 126. The sensor 126 can be configured such thatthe sensor 126 can be activated by an activating reagent 144 when theactivating reagent 144 comes in contact with the sensor 126, i.e., thesensor 126 is inactive until it comes into contact with the activatingreagent 144. Such activation of the sensor 126 can place the RFID sensorassembly 120 into an active state such that the sensor 126 is capable ofdetecting the presence of a specified fluid and the RFID sensor assembly120 can broadcast information related to the presence of the specifiedfluid. The permeable membrane 142 can be configured so that when anactivating reagent 144 is applied to the permeable membrane 142, theactivating reagent 144 passes through the permeable membrane 142 andinteracts with the sensor 126 and activate the sensor 126. The permeablemembrane 142 can be configured to always allow for the surroundingenvironment to permeate the membrane 142, or the permeable membrane 126can be configured so that the interaction with the activating reagent144 or other such chemical alters the membrane to allow the surroundingenvironment to permeate the membrane 142 and interact with the sensor126.

In one embodiment, as illustrated by FIG. 6, the activating reagent 144can comprise a solvent that is dispensed onto the permeable membrane 142by an inkjet printer 146. The activating reagent 144 can be dispensedonto the permeable membrane 142 during operations such as the printingof a label onto the RFID sensor assembly 120. It will be appreciatedthat the sensor 126 and the activating reagent 144 can comprise any of avariety of suitable materials that can be selectively combined toactivate the effective detection of a specified fluid. It will also beappreciated that the activating reagent 144 can be dispensed onto thepermeable membrane 142 and thus onto the sensor 126 through any of avariety of suitable manual or automated processes.

In another embodiment, the RFID sensor assembly 120 can be manufacturedwithout the full lamination layer 134. The lamination layer 134 may beapplied to only the sensor 126, where the lamination layer 134 is apermeable material that allows the activating reagent 144 to passthrough the lamination layer 134. Or the lamination layer 134 can beapplied to all areas of the RFID sensor assembly 120 except the sensor126, where a permeable layer is applied directly to the sensor 126.

Once the RFID sensor assembly 120 is placed in an active state, it canbe exposed to its surrounding environment and the sensor 126 candetermine or measure a parameter such as the presence of a specifiedfluid. Such detection can be facilitated by changes in certainproperties of the sensor 126 upon interaction with the specified fluidsuch as conductivity (e.g., changing the overall electrical resistance),color, temperature (e.g., causing the sensor material to be exothermic),or flexibility, for example. The RFID sensor assembly 120 can sense thechange to the sensor 126 due to the presence of the specified fluid andcan facilitate transmission of a signal from the antenna 124 that cannotify an RFID reader of the presence and/or concentration of thespecified fluid.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an RFID sensor assembly 220 according to yetanother embodiment. The RFID sensor assembly 220 can be similar to orthe same in many respects to the RFID sensor assemblies 20, 120previously described in FIGS. 1 through 6. For example, the RFID sensorassembly 220 can include an RFID chip 222, an antenna 224, and a sensor226. The antenna 224 can be electrically coupled with the RFID chip 222to facilitate communication with an RFID reader, and the sensor 226 canbe coupled to the RFID chip 222 by a pair of electrical leads 228, 230.However, the RFID sensor assembly 220 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 canalso include a number of capsules 248 positioned proximately to thesensor 226 or embedded or suspended in the sensor 226. The capsules 248can include a activating reagent 244 that is sealed or encapsulatedwithin the capsules 248. The capsules 248 can be configured to break orburst upon the application of pressure or heat such that the activationreagent 244 is released from the capsules 248. When the capsules 248burst, the activating reagent 244 is released onto or into the sensor226. The activating reagent 244 can react with the material of thesensor 226 to activate the sensor 226 so that it can determine, detector measure an environmental properties of conditions such as thepresence of a specified fluid. It will be understood that prior to therelease of the activating reagent 244, the RFID sensor assembly 220 isin an inactive state, and the release of the activating reagent 244places the RFID sensor assembly 220 in an active state. Once the RFIDsensor assembly 220 is activated, the specified fluid can change certainproperties of the sensor 226 such as described above, and the RFIDsensor assembly 220 can facilitate the transmission of a signal tonotify the RFID reader of the presence and/or concentration of thespecified fluid.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a plurality of RFID sensorassemblies 220 can be attached together to form a continuous sheet 250.The continuous sheet 250 can be fed between a pair of nip rollers 252.The nip rollers 252 can apply pressure to the RFID sensor assemblies 220to facilitate bursting of the capsules 248. In one embodiment, the niprollers 252 can include a notch (not shown) that aligns with the RFIDchip 222 so as not to damage the RFID chip during the post-manufacturingprocessing. It will be appreciated that the sensor 226 and theencapsulated activating reagent 244 can comprise any of a variety ofsuitable materials that can be selectively combined to facilitateeffective detection of a specified fluid. It will also be appreciatedthat the capsules 248 can be burst using any of a variety of suitablemanual or automated processes. For example, the capsules can be burst bythe application of pressure by the head of a printer during a printingprocess. It will also be appreciated that although the capsules 248 areillustrated as relatively large size, microencapsulation technologiescan be applied to facilitate the embedding of activating reagents in thesensor 226.

FIG. 9 illustrates an RFID sensor assembly 320 according to anotherembodiment. The RFID sensor assembly 320 can be similar to or the samein many respects to the RFID sensor assemblies 20, 120, 220 previouslydescribed. For example, the RFID sensor assembly 320 can include an RFIDchip 322, an antenna 324, and a sensor 326. The antenna 324 can beelectrically coupled with the RFID chip 322 to facilitate communicationwith an RFID reader, and the sensor 326 can be coupled to the RFID chip322 by a pair of electrical leads 328, 330. The RFID sensor assembly320, however, can include a sensor 326 that is comprised of electricallyactivatable material. In such an embodiment, when electrical current isprovided though the sensor 326 (e.g., through the electrical leads 328,330), the RFID sensor assembly 320 is placed in an active state and thesensor 326 can, for example, detect a specified fluid. When electricalcurrent is not being provided through the sensor 326, the sensor 326 isunable to sense any specified fluid and the RFID sensor assembly 320 isin an inactive state. One example of a flow chart for electricallyactivating the RFID sensor 320 is shown in FIG. 10. At step 400 the RFIDsensor assembly is in an inactive state. In one embodiment, the RFIDsensor assembly 320 can be activated by an interrogation signal from anRFID reader at step 500, where the RFID chip 322 relays a portion of theenergy from the interrogation signal in the form of electrical currentto the sensor 326 to activate the sensor 326. In another embodiment, theRFID sensor assembly 320 includes onboard power in the form of a battery354 or other electrical storage or generation medium. The RFID sensorassembly 320 utilizes such onboard power to pass electrical currentthought the sensor 326 at step 500. At step 600 the RFID sensor assemblyis in an active step. It will be appreciated, however, that the sensor326 can be electrically activated though any of a variety of suitablealternative arrangements

It will be appreciated that additional methods of activating RFID sensorassemblies include, for example, the application of heat to melt orotherwise alter the lamination layer and expose the sensor to itssurrounding environment and the application of pressure to burst thepouch to expose the sensor to its surrounding environment.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modificationsare possible in light of the above teachings. Some of thosemodifications have been discussed, and others will be understood bythose skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described inorder to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suitedto particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited tothe examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number ofapplications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of using an RFID sensor assembly,providing a RFID sensor assembly including: a chip; an antenna; asensor; at least one electrical lead; a laminated layer; a substrate;wherein the chip is in electrical contact with the antenna andcommunication with the sensor and can measure a property of a sensormaterial to determine the properties or conditions of the environmentsurrounding the sensor; wherein the chip, antenna, sensor, and at leastone electrical lead is secured to the substrate; wherein the laminatedlayer is arranged as to create a generally sealed pouch between thesubstrate and the laminated layer; storing the RFID sensor assembly fora period of time; performing a post-manufacturing process that modifiesthe pouch to expose the RFID sensor assembly to the environment; usingthe sensor to determine certain properties or conditions of theenvironment surrounding the sensor; and transmitting data to an RFIDreader.
 2. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 1,wherein the laminated layer is only over the sensor.
 3. The method ofusing an RFID sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the laminated layer isformed over the substrate, RFID chip, antenna, sensor, and at least oneelectrical lead.
 4. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim1, wherein the laminated layer is not formed over the sensor.
 5. Themethod of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 4, further comprisingapplying a permeable layer directly to the sensor.
 6. The method ofusing an RFID sensor assembly of claim 3, wherein the pouch creates aninactive state for the RFID sensor assembly.
 7. The method of using anRFID sensor assembly of claim 6, wherein the post-manufacturing processconverts the RFID sensor assembly from an inactive state to an activestate for deployment or use.
 8. The method of using an RFID sensorassembly of claim 3, wherein the post-manufacturing process is cuttingor trimming.
 9. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 1,wherein the RFID chip is passive.
 10. The method of using an RFID sensorassembly of claim 9, further comprising the step of powering the RFIDsensor assembly by an interrogation signal sent from an RFID readerprior to the step of using the sensor to determine certain properties orconditions.
 11. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 1,wherein the RFID chip is active.
 12. The method of using an RFID sensorassembly of claim 1, wherein the RFID sensor is used to determinehumidity.
 13. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 12,further comprising a step of attaching the RFID sensor assembly to ashipping container to monitor for levels of relative humidity that couldbe harmful to the contents of the shipping container after the step ofperforming.
 14. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 1,wherein the RFID sensor assembly is used to detect bio-hazardousmaterials.
 15. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 14,further comprising a step of providing the RFID sensor assembly as partof a public transportation system to monitor for levels of biohazardousmaterials that could affect the well being of its passengers after thestep of performing.
 16. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the RFID sensor assembly is used to determine airquality.
 17. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 1,wherein the RFID sensor assembly further comprises an absorbentmaterial.
 18. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 17,further comprising the step of treating the absorbent material with adetecting reagent prior to the step of storing the RFID sensor assembly.19. The method of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 18, wherein thesensory is used for detecting a specific fluid and the specific fluidreacts with the detecting reagent to change certain properties of thesensor.
 20. The method of using an RFID assembly of claim 1, whereinmodifying the pouch changes the transmission range of the antenna. 21.The method of using an RFID assembly of claim 20, wherein the RFIDantenna operates in a short range mode when the pouch is intact.
 22. Themethod of using an RFID assembly of claim 21, wherein the RFID antennaoperates in long range mode after the pouch is modified.
 23. The methodof using an RFID assembly of claim 1, wherein the post-manufacturingprocess that modifies the pouch is opening it manually.
 24. The methodof using an RFID assembly of claim 1, wherein the post-manufacturingprocess that modifies the pouch is an automated process.
 25. The methodof using an RFID assembly of claim 24, wherein the automated process isopening by a printer during the printing of a label on the RFID sensorassembly.
 26. A method of using an RFID sensor assembly, providing aRFID sensor assembly including: a chip; an antenna; a sensor; at leastone electrical lead; a laminated layer; a substrate; wherein the chip isin electrical contact with the antenna and communication with the sensorand can measure a property of a sensor material to determine theproperties or conditions of an environment surrounding the sensor;wherein the chip, antenna, sensor, and at least one electrical lead issecured to the substrate; wherein the laminated layer is arranged as tocreate a generally sealed pouch between the substrate and the laminatedlayer; wherein the sensor is inactive; activating the sensor by anactivating reagent; using the sensor to determine certain properties orconditions of the environment surrounding the sensor; and transmittingdata to an RFID reader.
 27. The method of using an RFID assembly ofclaim 26, wherein the RFID sensor assembly further comprises a permeablemembrane incorporated into the laminated layer and wherein the permeablelayer is located at least above the sensor.
 28. The method of using anRFID assembly of claim 27, wherein the activating reagent passes thoughthe permeable membrane and interacts with the sensor to activate thesensor.
 29. The method of using an RFID assembly of claim 28, whereinthe permeable membrane is configured to always allow for the surroundingenvironment to permeate the membrane.
 30. The method of using an RFIDassembly of claim 29, wherein the permeable membrane is configured sothat the interaction with the activating reagent or other such chemicalsalters the membrane to allow the surrounding environment to permeate themembrane and interact with the sensor.
 31. The method of using an RFIDassembly of claim 28, wherein the activating reagent comprises a solventthat is dispensed by an inkjet printer.
 32. The method of using an RFIDassembly of claim 31, wherein the reagent is dispense during theprinting of a label onto the RFID sensor assembly.
 33. The method ofusing an RFID assembly of claim 26, wherein the RFID sensor assemblyfurther comprises at least one capsule positioned proximately to,embedded in or suspended in the sensor.
 34. The method of using an RFIDassembly of claim 33, wherein the capsules include the activatingreagent.
 35. The method of using an RFID assembly of claim 34, whereinthe capsules can be configured to break or burst upon the application ofpressure or heat, releasing the reagent from the capsules.
 36. Themethod of using an RFID assembly of claim 35, nip rollers apply thepressure to break the capsules.
 37. The method of using an RFID assemblyof claim 35, wherein the capsules are burst by the application ofpressure by the head of a printer during a printing process.
 38. Amethod of using an RFID sensor assembly, providing a RFID sensorassembly including: a chip; an antenna; an electrically activatablesensor; at least one electrical lead; a laminated layer; a substrate;wherein the chip is in electrical contact with the antenna andcommunication with the sensor and can measure a property of the sensormaterial to determine the properties or conditions of the environmentsurrounding the sensor; wherein the chip, antenna, sensor, and at leastone electrical lead is secured to the substrate; wherein the laminatedlayer is arranged as to create a generally sealed pouch between thesubstrate and the laminated layer; wherein the sensor is inactive;activating the sensor by an electrical current; using the sensor todetermine certain properties or conditions of the environmentsurrounding the sensor; and transmitting data to an RFID reader.
 39. Themethod of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 38, wherein heelectrical current is provided by an interrogation signal.
 40. Themethod of using an RFID sensor assembly of claim 38, wherein heelectrical current is provided by onboard power.